Wright State police officer recognized for his service to emancipated foster students

Wright State police officer Kurt Holden relishes the chance to help young people who might need more than luck to achieve their dreams.

Wright State University police officer Kurt Holden is dedicated to campus safety and excels as a member of the K-9 explosives unit.

But it’s his work supporting and advocating for emancipated foster youth at Wright State that drew him recent praise. In March, the Fairborn Knights of Columbus recognized Holden at the annual Blue Coat Awards event for his service to his community.

Once an emancipated foster child himself, Holden was praised for his commitment to students who need strong and dependable role models in their lives as they simultaneously tackle emancipation and college.

“I am very humbled and appreciative to be awarded such an honor amongst so many great women and men in the police department,” said Holden. “I was extremely proud to share this honor with my wife and son who have always supported me. With or without the award, I will always remain committed to our campus community and the safety of our students.”

A patrolman with Wright State since 2009, Holden is also a mentor in the Independent Scholars Network. Holden has also recently been asked to blog for Children’s Rights’ 2014 Fostering the Future campaign, which will run during the month of May. The national watchdog organization uses legal advocacy to reform failing child welfare systems.

“Officer Holden is clearly eager to display a positive attitude to emancipated freshmen and foster children to achieve their dreams just as he did,” said interim Police Chief David Finnie. “Selfless and unfailingly professional, he is a living inspiration that they can achieve their dreams through hard work and a positive attitude.”

The Fairborn Knights of Columbus created the Blue Coat Awards in 1973 to honor police officers and firefighters in recognition of service to the community. Holden joined 10 others who were recognized at the event. His award also came with additional recognition from the Ohio Senate, the Ohio House of Representatives, a resolution from the Greene County commissioners and a commendation from Finnie.